Here Lies a Saint (Here Lies #2) - C.L. Matthews Page 0,86
sisters."
Mom seems to choke on air at that. "That's wonderful."
Noah doesn't falter, and I'm grateful for her support. She's been my safety net in this place. especially with how weird Mel has acted since Yang's death.
"We should probably go and see what's happening," Noah suggests, pointing toward the room we left. It's been long enough, an hour probably since Lux left.
Noah laces our fingers, and we follow my mom toward the room. It's empty, the guys all gone, so we head toward the ballroom.
"Guess we're going to dance until they get back. Might as well enjoy what time you have left since you're getting hitched," Noah jests, trying to lighten the mood.
The problem is, the mood has soured from my mother's presence and the realization that once again, my choices have been taken from me.
She drags me away from Mom before she can stop us. It's weird. The way Mom stares at us both has me uncomfortable. It's almost as if she's nostalgic or something.
"I'm going to see if I can steal the Bluetooth and hookup some decent songs," Noah explains before running off. She knows this place much better than I do. Unlike me, she's allowed to roam free. She was raised here after all.
A moment later, the sound of Justin Bieber hits my ears, and for some reason, it hypes me up. I'm not a pop fan by any means, pop-punk, yes, but not straight up pop.
“Eenie Meenie” bounces off the walls as Noah makes her way to me. She grabs my hand, her blonde hair billowing with the motion of her twirling. We start jumping as the beat rises, and our hands go up almost automatically.
It's nice, being a part of something freeing. Other Arcadians join us on the dance floor, their feet tapping melodically, following the beat. Then the chaotic chorus comes back, and we're jumping in unison. I find myself forgetting the drama and fear, being a teenager for the first time in nearly a year.
The amazement I feel as Noah and I hug, jumping together, brings me so much peace. That is until I see Mel. Her gaze tells me she's jealous, and it takes all my will-power to not roll my eyes. She chose to fuck around with Bridger, even after knowing how I felt, and now she's making eyes at Jordan. The one thing I hate more than bullies and stuck-up chicks are girls who steal from their friends.
"I see you and Noah are getting along!" she shouts over the music.
Noah doesn't offer her anything other than indifference. When I say Noah has my back, it's not an understatement. She has my back through and through. When I say I've told her everything, I mean everything. When I say she's my happy place, it's because she's been here when no one else has.
"Yes, she's amazing," I offer, not raising my voice enough.
She nods and starts joining the dance. It forces me and Noah apart, but it's okay. We can still vibe and be decent, even if Mel's confused at what that is.
It isn't until the third song, E-Girls Are Ruining My Life by Corpse, that the music is abruptly turned off. The mic screeches as someone moves the cord. You'd think with all the money a person could want, they would have a less ancient system.
"Not sure who thought it relatively okay to put this kind of music on, but it's not what the Gala is about."
Me, Noah, and even Mel share an annoyed impression and try to stifle our giggles at Xavier.
He's not like Bridger, but he is. His broad shoulders are like twice my width, and he's glaringly scary with his dead expressions and even deader personality.
"Lennox and Midas will be back for the events. If Colton Hudson could please meet me at the south entrance, you're needed."
Noah shares a worried expression with me.
"Come with," I practically beg. "I'm scared."
She nods, her fear tucked away after I've shown her mine.
"What about me?" Mel asks, bothered by the fact I didn't immediately invite her.
I'm not sure what she expected, but I shake my head. "You'll need to be here for Jordan."
Her face changes then, a smile forming, and I hate her for it. What is she playing at? And why does Jordan say there's absolutely nothing between them when she's acting like they're in love?
We head toward the south entrance, and Noah cradles my hand as if it's precious. "Whatever happens, Colty, promise me you'll keep your cool."